Question 1

What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?

Accepted Answer

For men, a WHR below 0.90 is considered low risk. For women, a WHR below 0.80 is low risk. A ratio of 0.90-0.99 (men) or 0.80-0.84 (women) indicates moderate risk, and above those thresholds indicates high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Question 2

How do I measure my waist and hip correctly?

Accepted Answer

Measure your waist at the narrowest point (usually just above the belly button) with a relaxed stomach. Measure your hips at the widest point (around the buttocks). Use a measuring tape and keep it level and snug but not compressing the skin.

Question 3

What does waist-to-hip ratio tell me?

Accepted Answer

WHR indicates body fat distribution. A higher ratio means more abdominal (visceral) fat, which is linked to higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. It is considered a better health indicator than BMI alone.

Question 4

Is waist-to-hip ratio better than BMI?

Accepted Answer

WHR and BMI measure different things. BMI measures overall body mass relative to height, while WHR measures fat distribution. WHR is often a better predictor of cardiovascular risk because it specifically identifies dangerous abdominal fat.